Symptoms of Urethritis in Dogs

Urinary Health πŸ“… August 9, 2026 πŸ‘ 4522

πŸ“ Summary

Canine urethritis is bacterial inflammation of the urethral lining, often from mechanical or chemical irritation or nearby spread (cystitis). Signs are painful, dripping urination with cloudy or bloody urine; treat with antibiotics and potassium permanganate flushes.

1 Symptoms of Urethritis in Dogs

I. Symptoms

The genital area is sensitive with red swollen urethra; a catheter meets resistance and the dog is restless. Usual signs: hard, painful urination, cloudy urine, sometimes with pus or blood, in a stream; the dog is agitated. Painful dribbling from inflammation makes urine stop-start; the male’s rear twitches, the female’s vulva opens repeatedly. Severe: mucus or blood, sometimes sloughed mucosa.

II. Treatment

1. Control infection with antimicrobials: intramuscular ampicillin 10 mg/kg; oral ceftriaxone 20 mg/kg; roxithromycin 5 mg/kg.

2. Flush the bladder with 0.1% potassium permanganate.

3. Acidify urine with ammonium chloride orally for better effect.

III. Recovery care

At home, ease the dog: clean a red inflamed urethra with saline from a syringe; deep cleaning needs a catheter at the clinic. Never use alcohol – too irritating and uncomfortable.

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